Considerations for Selecting a Web Conferencing Provider

  

  

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As Web conferencing has become an increasingly viable option for those organizations operating in the nonprofit sector, some decision makers may be unclear as to how to search for the right solution provider. Without a clear understanding of what a solution can offer or what the organization truly needs, a wrong decision can easily be made.

Let’s take a look at the key elements the nonprofit should consider when searching for a robust Web conferencing solution:

Complete System – Any Web conferencing software selected for the nonprofit should be able to support various operating systems and browsers as this can greatly impede member ability to participate in a conference. At the same time, each individual’s knowledge and capability will be different and the solution must be able to adapt.

Domestic and International Calling – Multiple access options and points are important and toll free calling should be readily available. The nonprofit must also have access to international toll free calling to help contain costs.

Call Recording – Both commercial and nonprofit organizations must have the ability to record Web conferences in order to store the information or make it available for recall later. The provider must be able to provide both Web and audio recording and it should be built into the solution.

Document Sharing – A Web conference does not deliver on all promises if documents cannot be shared. The solution should allow for easy sharing of documents, desktops and specific applications, regardless of end user systems.

Support – Like any technology implementation, 24/7 support is critical. The nonprofit will benefit the most from a solution that provides support according to its needs. The length of wait times and the availability of live operators are critical considerations.

Transcripts – Transcripts of the Web conference can be vital for recordkeeping and information storage. The nonprofit will benefit from this capability, as well as a robust backup process to protect the chat transcripts.

Partnership – When searching for the right Web conferencing solution, the nonprofit should take the approach that they are looking for a partner. By doing so, the provider will take a consultative approach and gain an understanding of the nonprofit organization and ensure the optimal experience.

With a myriad of options available in Web conferencing solutions, it can be a challenge for the nonprofit to determine exactly the right one to fit their needs. The important thing to keep in mind is that the optimal solution for the commercial company is not necessarily going to fit in a nonprofit world. Decision makers must be diligent in determining needs before examining available options.